Rifle Acquisition Timeline

[halfgone]

So, I'm a rifle newb and this is what I am thinking.


I've been reading Fred and BTP a bit recently, and I appreciate their focus on becoming riflemen. I too would like to try it out. To start that out, my parents got me Fred's guide to becoming a rifleman. Will hopefully get it soon.

So, my thoughts.

I could save up and

Buy an SKS for >150​

Buy a CMP Garand for a bit >500​

With the end result being to work on my riflery and eventually (when I am out of grad-school and actually making a bit more cash) Buy either an M1A or a FAL (basically an MBR in .308).

So, the funds are pretty slim (like I may have to donate plasma for a bit, but hey, I'd be doing that anyway), so I am trying to get the best practice for the dollar.

I am leaning towards the SKS because it would also fill that "carbine/truck-gun" niche nicely.

So, given my path and my limitations, what say yea?

oh yeah, and I currently own a Marlin 60 plinker. Gonna take it out and put a brick through it tomorrow.

 

[hoghunting]

The sks will be fairly accurate out to about 150-200 yds. It just can't compete with the Garand past that range. The 7.62x39 ammo is inexpensive compared to other ammo. The trigger on the sks will take some getting used to unless you have it worked on.

For an inexpensive gun and ammo to learn with, but has a limited range, then get the sks.

 

[Eleven Mike]

If you want a cheap rifle, the SKS is not your only choice. Mauser, Enfield, Mosin, etc. Probably better rifles than the SKS, unless you prefer semi-auto.

 

[bratch]

If you're wanting to learn the rifle basics such as trigger control and sight alignment few things will beat a 22. These things come with practice and shooting a 22 all day is easier on your body and wallet. Either use your Marlin or the CZ452 are hard to beat. You'll need to look into ammo cost not just initial rifle cost.

 

[halfgone]

yeah, good thoughts bratch, and the rest.

I am going to stick to the .22 for at least the next few months. Won't have money for much else. Figure if I can shoot 550 rounds for $8, might as well, eh?

I figured that building up to the bigger rifle may be a good idea, although it probably isn't that bad.

I guess if I just shoot .22, I can save up the money from the rifle and the extra price of the ammo as well. Get my end goal sooner. cut the middle man, and all that.

but then AIM is selling those mosin nagants for only $69...

HG

 

[bratch]

If you've got gunitis and have the money go for it. Don't forget $15 for shipping and $20 for the transfer if you don't have a C&R.

If you want a fullsize rifle get one. You could always shoot a box of centerfire and a few boxes of 22 each range trip to keep cost moderate.

Here are my suggestions:

1. Decide what you want out of your firearms. Do you want to become a better shot or do you want to start building a collection and shoot a wide variety just for fun with little concern for MOA accuracy? Nothing wrong with either option.

2. If money is tight and learning to be a better rifleman is your number one objective stick with the .22 and as your skills increase, increase distance for additional challenges.

3. If you've got some extra money and it won't affect anything else get whatever rifle you want and can afford.

4. Don't buy something just because it is cheap. Figure out what you want and get that. Saying that lots of guys LOVE their milsurps and there is absolutley nothing wrong with them.

 

[Cosmoline]

I think the Garand has a rightly-deserved place in history. But I would never suggest it as a beginning rifle. It's far too expensive and only works well with a narrow range of .30'06 on the market now. It's also not particularly accurate without aftermarket modifications. What you're really buying is a piece of nostalgia and history. SKS's are fine, but have their own set of issues.

If you're not wedded to a semi, the options expand and the price tag goes way down.

 

[halfgone]

fun fun

ok, so I should probably start a new thread, but oh well.

I went to the range today to 'break in' the .22. SOOO much fun. Shot about 350 rounds of federal brick through it.

The Marlin was nice and accurate off the bench. I was able to touch rounds at 25yrds. Did almost as well at 50, and had--don't laugh--6" groups at 100yrds. (I think it was my skill and the wind). Oh, and this was off of a bench.

I did a little bit of offhand, and really wasn't disappointed either. The groups obviously widened a bit, 'bout 3" at 25yrds, but for this being my first time out with my/any rifle I am totally stoked.

I am looking forward to getting good with this thing!

HG